Businesses come in all shapes and sizes. In Scotland, 99% of all private sector businesses are small to medium size enterprises – and they provide an estimated 1.1 million jobs*. What could you add to that mix?

My name is Peter Gow. I have been self-employed since 1997 showing people, who are serious, how to earn money, save money or both. If the idea appeals to you too, please have a look at my site and learn more.

Scottish tourism businesses and the fantastic work they do make up the lifeblood of our industry. The world-class standards of our accommodation providers, visitor attractions, visitor/experiences, restaurants and other businesses are why Scotland attracts so many new and returning visitors year after year.

There are plenty of examples of successful entrepreneurs and ideas. You may find reading them sparks your own imagination and inspires you to seek out and build your own enterprise – whatever its size! Students have great ideas for ventures and with a bit of perseverance and support, turn them into successful ventures.

Details of funding schemes for rural businesses in Scotland including the Scottish Rural Development Programme. Grants and support for economic, environmental and social measures to benefit rural Scotland are available through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

The best time to talk to an accountant is when you first think about starting or buying your own business. The next best time is now. A little bit of time and money invested in timely advice could save you thousands of pounds and make the difference between success and failure, particularly if start-up funds are limited. We’d love to get to know you better & take some of the work off your plate. Call to book a FREE consultation or request a call back today!

I’m Jules Akel, designer of wonderful things that tell persuasive stories. Brand design that is influential, effective and typographically delicious. This includes all that is needed to promote the brand—identity, advertising, packaging, brochures, books, websites, maps, tickets, posters, whatever is needed to communicate to the brand’s allure to its different audiences. You can look at all this creativity if you visit www.akel.co.uk; it is worth the visit, promise. After seeing all this exciting work, why not telephone me for a thoughtful chat: 07 802 753 193. If you become one of my clients you could qualify for umpteen bottles of Dalwhinnie whisky—a truly worthwhile reward, don’t you think? You will soon discover that I am a very useful contributor to your prosperity.

Our vision is to make the Highlands and Islands a highly successful and competitive region where increasing numbers of people choose to live, work, study and invest.

Whether it is just an idea, a small enterprise or still in its early stages, CREATE is geared up to support any new business start-up. The CREATE team houses entrepreneurial experience of starting up both businesses and charities and, with the added support of our Entrepreneurs in Residence; our legal partners, Harper Macleod; and accounting partners, Johnston Carmichael, we can provide the right support to help you turn an enterprising idea into a business.

The Cairngorms Business Partnership is a not for profit private sector led organisation that operates in the Cairngorms National Park (CNP). Our work splits into 3 key areas: • Promotion. We operate www.visitcairngorms.com that provides local businesses with over 11,000 customer click throughs each month and a range of services including the highly acclaimed ‘accommodation finder’ service. We own and operate; Visit Cairngorms iPhone app, What’s On, Park–i, advertise in press and media, manage press trips and PR activities for the area. We are also involved with partners in bringing events and conferences to the area. We maximise the benefits of social media connecting with many thousands of people on a weekly basis. Our office distributes customer enquiries to member businesses. • Development. We run the Cairngorms Business Barometer, customer feedback schemes, a calendar of business meetings, training and development days. We regularly provide member business with up to date and valuable business information so as to help and assist with business growth. We work closely with local community groups and public sector agencies seeking to enhance the area as a destination to visit and operate a business. • Advocacy. We are affiliated to the Scottish Chambers of Commerce so bringing direct business benefits to your business along with the strength of a national network. Working on behalf of local businesses we interact on a regular basis with; Scottish Government CNPA, SNH, VisitScotland, HIE, Scottish Enterprise and other public agencies. Inverdruie House, Inverdruie, Aviemore, PH22 1QH

Business Gateway Highland is your gateway to expert local business advice and practical guidance. We have business advisers based in offices all over the Highland area. 81 Castle Street, Inverness IV2 3EA. Tel: 01463 896 736

Caithness Chamber of Commerce was first established in the 1970s by a group of local business entrepreneurs. In the late 1980s it embarked on a campaign to secure improvements to the A9, the main arterial road serving the North Highland’s area. Thanks to this far-sighted effort, only now is the region enjoying some of the arising benefits. In late 2008 a new company limited by guarantee was formed and, with initial funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise of £150,000, the Caithness Chamber of Commerce was relaunched with a full time Chief Executive and a new structure. Further staff were recruited with a three year £120,000 funding award from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Today, the Chamber is the foremost business networking organisation in the North Highlands and aims to support every type of business, from sole traders and small businesses to large corporate companies. Our members are drawn from a vast range of industry sectors including energy, tourism, retail, transport, food and drink and manufacturing. Tailoring services to members, Caithness Chamber of Commerce has developed a valuable portfolio of added value services to boost the business success of members. The Chamber also stages a number of events throughout the year to facilitate the vital interaction between business owners and managers. The annual Chamber of Commerce dinner is the highlight of the year at which past keynote speakers have included such key business leaders as Sir Tom Farmer and politicians including the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the Secretary of State for Scotland. As a Chamber member you will enjoy a range of exclusive business to business deals and benefits. Naver Business Centre, Naver House, Naver Road, Thurso, KW14 7QA

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is the economic and community development agency for the north and west of Scotland. Our purpose is to support regional development and increase the numbers of people who choose to live, work, study and invest here. We work in a diverse region which extends from Shetland to Argyll, and from the Outer Hebrides to Moray, covering more than half of Scotland’s land mass. We have offices across the region helping communities and businesses to develop and grow. An Lochran 10 Inverness Campus Inverness IV2 5NA Scotland

We manage a fund aimed at helping businesses develop and grow, with: * A straightforward application process * Immediate release of funds on completion of documentation * Equal monthly payments by direct debit * No early repayment penalties * Pre-application and aftercare support through our associated business services Our team will also be able to assist businesses to access a number of other sources of financial assistance Business Loan Scotland (external link) will provide access to affordable finance for small business looking to access assistance in excess of £25,000 The Scottish Micro Finance Programme will be available for businesses wishing to access loan assistance up to £25,000 Investment Manager Contact for advice on a wide range of funding packages for your business Telephone: 01463 702535 Email: robin.jackson@highland.gov.uk

Business Gateway (external link) helps new and existing businesses grow and prosper through a combination of one-to-one support, local workshops, and specialist advice. All services are free of charge. A core team of business advisers, supported by industry specialist advisers, can help with: - Starting your business (external link) - Growing your business (external link) - Taking on staff (external link) - Accessing finance - Winning contracts (external link) - Resources (external link) - Graduate placement programme Your local Business Gateway office is your one stop shop for all small and medium sized businesses to access advice and support. Business Gateway is a national business support service developed in partnership with local authorities. It is delivered in the Highlands by The Highland Council.

Starting a business is exciting, and succeeding is rewarding, but what about the bit between? You know, that bit that’s full of self-doubt, endless repetition and feelings of being out of your comfort zone? We call it ‘The Lonely Middle’ and it’s one of the hardest parts of creating a successful business. We know, we’ve been there. So, we created The Lonely Middle Club to help you through it. Each month you get exclusive content to help give you the knowledge and inspiration to succeed. Plus, you get access to a private members-only Facebook group where you can get advice and network with small business owners who are going through similar challenges to you. If you want even more, you can download our 51 worksheets, guides, and journals all designed to do one thing, and one thing only… help you get through ‘The Lonely Middle’ and achieve your business goals. Visit our website today to join the club and benefit from our members price lock and full no questions asked money-back guarantee.

FSB West of Scotland is the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). It was formed in 1974 as the National Federation of Self Employed and represents the interests of small and medium-sized businesses locally and nationally. They offer a great package tailored to your needs if you are thinking about starting a business in the area. Contact: Hisashi Kuboyama Development Manager Hisashi.Kuboyama@fsb.org.uk

SCC we are dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of our member companies and to helping them rise to the challenge, seize the opportunity and succeed in the marketplace. By joining a Chamber of Commerce your company automatically becomes part of Scotlands largest business organisation, with access to an unrivalled range of services, support and advice to aid your development as a thriving member of the business community. Address: Scottish Chambers of Commerce, 30 George Square, Glasgow, G2 1EQ

mygov.scot contains a really useful section if you are thinking about setting up a social enterprise. It explains the various business structures and has links to many other related resources.

The Highland Council website includes dedicated pages covering: Help for your business, Trading standards, Business rates, Food safety, Health & safety, Economic development, Advice for contractors, Contract opportunities and their property work register.

The region's highly experienced and knowledgeable business support agencies can provide help and advice on a wide range of business support related issues and matters.

Would you like you to know how your business could benefit from digital upskilling? Training, guides, tutorials, workshops, 1:1 advice and consultancy – all for free.

f you’re a social enterprise there are lots of people and places you can go to for help – so many, in fact, that it can all start to get a bit confusing. The HISEZ website contains a quick and simple guide to who’s who, what they do and the kind of support they give.

The Scottish Rural Network website is your one-stop-shop for news, events and information about rural development. We can help you connect with other people, communities, organisations and businesses across rural Scotland and beyond.

Small business grants in Scotland tend to either be funded by the Scottish or UK Government, as well as the European Union (EU). Generally, the funding is either available for any business across Scotland (or for businesses intending to be based in Scotland). Alternatively, some grants are only available to businesses working in certain sectors or specific locations.